Melophoroi
(Persian Apple-Bearers)These troops are not the picked elite of the Persian army, but they constitute the backbone of the army as its standing core of professional soldiers. They are not hoplites, nor do they fight in a phalanx, but neither are they unskilled levies. They carry a long spear with counterweights made of silver and gold �apples,� (so are called melophoroi, �apple-bearers�), a dipylon shield, and wear the typical Persian scale armour, but have no helmets.
These spearmen were drawn from the subjects of the eastern regions. They were inexpensive, and simply equipped with a spear, wicker shield and cloth armour. Their shields were oval or rectangular in shape with a central handgrip. While uniformly equipped for the most part, their appearance varied greatly depending where they were recruited, and all kinds of Greek and Persian influences were manifest. In battle, spearmen guarded the flanks of phalanxes, or provided protection for skirmishers and archers. Although ill-equipped to face heavy enemies, their numbers and spears made them an effective counter to unarmoured cavalry. They were also a common type of mercenary and levied unit throughout Asia Minor and the Middle East.
Unit Name Melophoroi |
Main Unit Key Eas_Atr_Apple-Bearers |
Land Unit Key Eas_Atr_Apple-Bearers |
Naval Unit Key pel_transport |
Soldiers 200 |
Category Melee Infantry |
Class Spear Infantry |
Custom Battle Cost 1177 |
Recruitment Cost 1177 |
Upkeep Cost 235 |
Melee Attack 38 |
9 |
├ Melee Weapon spear3 |
├ Weapon Damage 9 |
├ Weapon Deadliness 0 |
├ Armour Piercing No |
├ Bonus vs. Cavalry 4 |
├ Bonus vs. Elephants 10 |
└ Bonus vs Infantry 0 |
Charge Bonus 15 |
75 |
├ Base Defence 23 |
├ Shield shield5 |
└ Shield Defence 52 |
14 |
├ Armour arm8 |
├ Armour Defence 14 |
└ Shield Armour 0 |
20 |
├ Man Entity medium_medium |
├ Man Health 20 |
└ Bonus Hit Points 0 |
Base Morale 60 |
Abilities
Melophoroi- Stamina (average)
Governs how fast the unit tires and restores fatigue, and is dependent on type of unit, weight and approach to combat.
Attributes
- Expert Charge Defence
This unit’s melee attack and damage are increased against charging enemies. - Disciplined
This unit does not suffer a morale penalty when the general dies. It can also rally after routing more often. - Hide (forest)
This unit can hide in forests until enemy units get too close. - Resistant to Heat
This unit tires less quickly in the desert.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Transport- Very poor hull strength
- Very slow speed
- Weak ramming
- Good defensive unit
- Low damage but average armour penetration
- Average attack
- Normal morale
Faction Availability | |
---|---|
Grand Campaign |